ALONG CAME BUD 



-BY- 



ROSS FARQUHAR 



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ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE 

FRANKLIN, OHIO, also 944 S. Logan, DENVER, COLO. 



ALONG CAME BUD 



A TWO ACT COMEDY 



-By- 



ROSS FARQUHAR 



Copyright, 1920, Eldridge Entertainment Houm 



PUBLISHED BY 

ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE, 
Franklin, Ohio Denver, Colo. 



-*6 



-f 5 "^ 
#»** 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

t 

WILLIAM BROWN— a stern father 

MRS. BROWN— a regular mother 

JUNE— the daughter 

DICK— the big brother 

BUD — a real boy 

BILLY BROOKS— in love with June 



©CI.D 56385 



T.4P96-007309 



ALONG CAME BUD 



ACT I. 

(Scene: — Living room in the home of Wm. Brmcn.) 

( Tim e : — Saturday afternoon.) 

(At rise of curtain Mrs. Brown is discovered reading 
magazine. Dick rs heard off left humming or vyhistling a 
popular air. ) 

Dick- -(off left) Oh, June. 

Mrs. Brown — June isn't here, Dick. 

Dick — Where is she? 

Mrs. B. — She if, out with some of the girls, taking 
pictures. You know she has rigged up her camera with a 
long rubber tube in order to get in the pictures as she 
takes them. 

Dick — June and her old camera! It's a wonder she 
wouldn't stay at home now and then. 

Mrs. B. — What is it you want? Perhaps I may be 
able to help you. 

Dick — (entering left) I was wondering if she knew 
anything about my new tie. 

Mrs. B. — I don't suppose she had it. Can't you find 
it? 

Dick — I have looked high and low, but it cannot be 
found. Weil, never mind. I'll wear another. I'm going 
down and get out the machine. (Exit center.) 

Mrs. B. — T have an idea, that if his tie is gone, Bud 
has had something to do with it. That boy is certainly 
the limit He simply can not keep out of mischief. Yet 
he is not really bad — truthful as the day is long and one 
cannot be angry with him, although — 

8 



4 Along Came Bud 

(Enter Dick, C, tie in his hand.) 

Dick — Mother, just look at this. 

Mrs. B. — Is that your tie? Where was it? 

Dick — Evidently Bud has been staging a dog show. 
J found it tied around the dog's neck and he has printed 
on it with a pencil, "1st. prize." Mother, that boy should 
be attended to : he is positively exasperating at times. 

Mrs. B. — I know, Dick. But, I guess we are all to 
biame. We have spoiled him. 

(Commotion heard outside. Bud enters hastily.) 

Bud — (looks at tie in Dick's hand and smiles.) Oh;, 
goody! I was afraid it was lost, You know, Dick, I had 
to have a ribbon for Doughboy's neck and that seemed to 
be just right. And when I came home I saw it was gone, 
and I was worried for fear he had scratched it off. maybe, 
and lost it. (Turns suddenly and runs to door C. and looks 
out anxiously.) 

Dick — What are you looking for? 

Bud — (with head hanging) Oh, nothing — much. 

Mrs. B. — Now, Son, you've been in mischief again. 
What is it this time? 

Bud — Oh, Mother, it wasn't nothing — very much. I 
don't like to worry you with all my troubles. 

Mrs. B. — They worry me more when I do not know 
just what they are. Come — tell Mother. 

Bud — Well. I've been having a little trouble. 

Dick — (crossly) You're having trouble all the time. 
What was it this time? If I were in your place, Mother, 
I'd— 

Mrs. B. — Now, Dick, you run away. I'll talk to Bud. 

(Exit Dick, mumbling.) 

Mrs. B. — (puts her arm, around Bud) Now, tell me 
all about it. 

Bud — Well, I guess you won't rest till you hear it, 
will you? Mother, why are ladies so full of cur'osity? 



Along Came Bed 5 

Mrs. B.—lt isn't curiosity in this case. But 1 am 
anxious for you and it worries me when you get into mis- 
chief and have trouble. Now — you were going to tell me. 

Bud — Well, one of Mrs. Joyce's nice pullets just died. 

Mrs. B. — One of her pullets died? Well, what has 
that to do with you ? 

Bud — It hasn't anything to do with me. But T had 
something to do with it. 

Mrs. B— Bud! You killed it? 

Bud — Yes, Mother. 

Mrs. B. — Why that was terrible. Now, you must go 
right up there and tell her about it and apologize and teill 
her that you will pay her for it. 

Bud — She knows all about it. Anyways it was a ac- 
cident. 

Mrs. B. — An accident? How did it happen? 

Bud — I was throwin' at a rooster and just by mis- 
take I hit the pullet. 

Mrs. B. — What, did Mrs. Joyce say? 

Bud — I can't tell you all she said — being a gentle- 
man ; but she give me stride permission to stay out of her 
yard, forever and ever. 

Mrs. B. — Well. Bud, I don't know what will become 
of us if you don't improve and keep out of mischief. 

(Enter June, C, holding camera, in her hand. She 
places camera on table wear window. Holds package rep- 
resenting bonds, in her hand.) 

June — Is Father here? 

Mrs. B. — No, he hasn't come home yet. 

June — Mr. Holmes forgot to put these bonds in the 
safety deposit box at the bank and was called to St. Louis 
on urgent business: so he asked me to have Father put 
them in his safe until Monday. 

(Telephone rings and June lays bonds on mantel as 
she goes to answer it.) (Exit Mrs. B. right.) 



6 Along Came Bud 

June — (takes receiver) Hello * * Yes, this is she. 
* * Sure, I'm at home. * * All right. Come on up r 
Billy. * * Good-bye. (Hangs up receiver.) 

Bud— Was that Billy Brooks? 

June — Yes, it was Billy — inquisitive. ; 

Bud — Whatcha call him that for? 

June — What do I call him what, for? 

Bud — Billy Inquisity, or somethin' like that. 

June — T said you- are inquisitive — nosey, you know. 

Bud — (after a vause) Say, Sis, what was you raf- 
flin' off night 'fore last? 

June — What do you mean? I wasn't raffling any- 
thing. Why? 

Bud — You must have been. I passed the door and 1 
heard Billy savin', very pitiful, "Please, June, won't you 
give me a chance — just a chance?" 

June — (excitedly) Buddy Brown, don't you ever 
dare breathe that to another soul, do you hear? Now, I 
am going over to Edna's. I'll be back in a few minutes. 
(Exit C.) 

Bud — I wonder what she meant about Billy. S'pose 
that fellow wants to marry her? I bet that's what it is, 
because I heard him singin' something about "What's so 
rare as a day with June," the other evening. Oh, boy ! 
Won't I have some fun with him if he does? He's all 
right, though, 'cause he slips me a dime purty often. 
(Walks to mantel and sees package of bonds.) Gee! I 
guess June forgot these papers. Well, I'll have a little 
fun with her. Anyway she had no business callin' me no- 
sey. So I'll just hide them for awhile. Anybody could 
steal them there on the mantel anyway. (Takes bonds 
from mantel and places them behind large picture hang- 
ing on wall. He then goes to camera and takes it up and 
winds the roll of film a little. Sets camera to face window 
at such distance that a picture coidd be taken of a persdti 
in the window, if shutter was opened. The bulb is placed 
on the floor in front of window.) (Knock at door. Bud 
t 



Along Came Bud 7 

opens door and admits Billy Brooks.) Come in, Billy— I 
mean Mr. Brooks. June went over to Edna's to borrow 
some powder 'cause she's been out takin' pitchers, and she 
wants to look nice when you're here. 

Bitty— All right, Buddy, I'll wait. (Sits.) Play- 
ing much baseball now? 

Bud — Oh, some. I would play more, only I haven't 
any good mitt. I saw one down to the store today for 50 
cents ? 

Billy— (studying) Well, now, a nice, bright boy like 
you ought to have no trouble in finding work of some 
kind — enough to earn fifty cents. 

Bud— (aside: I guess I hit him too strong that time. 
(To Billy.) Well, so long— good luck to you. (Exit C. ) 

Billy— So long. That kid ought to get along. He has 
the "pep" all right. And he's not suffering from an over- 
dose of timidity either. I was going to slip him a little 
capital for his mitt, but he left so soon. It's not a bad 
idea to keep on the good side of the younger brother, at 
that— (Telephone rings. Billy starts to answer, then hes- 
itates. As no one comes to answer, he takes down receiv- 
er.) Hello * * Brown's residence. * * This is Billy 
talking. * * What? * * Left the papers out of the 
vault? * * I'll be right there. * * Good-bye. (Hangs* 
up.) If that wasn't stupid of me. Left a pile of valuable 
papers on the desk and locked the vault. Well, I must 
hurry down, and explain to June when I come back. (Exit 
C) 

_ (Phone rings again. Pause of a jew seconds. Rings 
again. Enter Mrs. B. to answer.) 

Mrs. B. — I thought June and Billy were here. (Takes 
down receiver.) Hello ** Yes ** Is it ready for me 
to try on ? '• * In ten minutes. * * Good-bye. (Hangs 
up.) I guess June and Billy went out for a walk. Well, 
I'll run over to Mrs. King's and try on my dress. But I 
guess I had better lock the door. (Exit C. Sound of key 
in door.) 



8 Along Came Bud 

(After lapse of feiv seconds, aulo horn is heard. Au~ 
to stops in front of house. Steps heard and hand rattles 
knob of door.) 

Dick— (off stage, C.) Oh, Mother— June— Oh, 
shucks! Locked out. Well, I've got to get in, that's all 
there is to it. (Appears at window; tries it and finds it 
unlocked. Raises window and steps inside. -Stops sud- 
denly and, looks toward camera which is pointed at him.) 
Well, if it didn't sound iike that camera clicked, I'll eat 
my hat. I guess I'm hearing things today. I've got to 
get my golf clubs and hurry out to the links. Joe will 
think I'm never coming. (Walks off R. and emerges a, 
few moments later carrying golf bag. Looks out of win- 
dow and stops.) There comes June. If she catches me, 
she will force me to take her for a ride, so I'll just slip out 
the rear door and give her the slip. I have no time to fool 
with girls today — especially sisters. (Exit R. June rat- 
tles door C.J 

June— (off C.) Why, the door's locked. Oh! Here 
comes Mother. I suppose she locked it. (Sound of keij* 
Door opens. Enter Mrs. B. and June.) 

June — (to Mrs. B.) We took some dandy views and 
then we happened along the bend of the river below the 
dam and there on a large rock sat Ethel and Sam and — 
oh, you should have seen the pose — so I snapped them, but 
don't dare to breathe a word until I get them developed. I 
have one more exposure on the film, so I am going to take 
a picture of Doughboy and send the film to be developed. 
(Walks to camera. Looks at number on back of film. 
Looks perplexed. ) Why, I thought I had one left. Well, 
I guess I miscounted. 

Mrs. B. — Hurry and send them, I'm just dying to 
see that picture of Ethel and Sam. 

(Voice of Btid humming popular tune outside.) 

(Exit Mrs. B., R.) 

Bud — (entering C.) Hello, June, where's Billy? 

June — I guess he hasn't come yet. 

Bud — Sure he has. I left him here, waitin' for you. 



Along Came Bud 9 

June — You did? Well, that's queer. Say, Buddy, I 
want you to take this roll of films (takes out roll and 
wraps in paper.) down to the drug store to be developed, 
and order two prints of each picture. (Hands roll to Bud) 

Bud — All right; but don't you think a fellow ever 
gets tired running old errands for girls ? 

June — (opening purse) Now, Bud, you're not so 
tired, are you? (Hands him coin.) 

Bud — i smiling) Oh, not so very. (E^it C.) 

June — Oh, yes; I must attend to those — (looks on 
mantel; looks horrified; — My gracious! What has be- 
come of those bonds? I laid them here on the mantel 
when I came home. (Calls.) Mother! 

(Enter Mrs. B., L.) 

Mrs. B.— What is it, June? 

June — The bonds ! 

Mrs. B. — What about them? 

June — They're gone. 

Mrs. B.— Gone! Where? 

June — That's it — where? I placed them right here 
(Points.) and ran over to Edna's for a minute. Now, 
they're gone. Oh, what will I do? 

Mrs. B. — Who could have taken them? Let us think. 
I locked the house when 1 left to go to Mrs. King's, to try 
on my dress. Bud was gone and just a few moments ago 
returned ; and then Bud wouldn't know the value of bonds 
anyway. You were over at Edna's. (Pause.) Billy was 
here — where is Billy? 

June — (wide-eyed) Billy! Billy was here! And he 
has gone! 

Mrs. B. — You don't think Billy would — would st — 
take the bonds, do you, June? 

June — (crying) Oh, no! 

Mrs. B. — Of course he wouldn't — but — well, why did 
he go out s'o suddenly? I heard him in here talking to 
Bud. Then I heard Bud leave the house. And when I 
came in the room it was empty. Here comes Father, now. 



10 Aung Came Bud 

(Enter Mr, Brown.) 

Mr. B. — Well, well, what's all the excitement and 
tears about? 

Mrs. B. — Mr. Holmes gave June some bonds which 
he had forgotten to put in his safety deposit box at the 
oank. As he was called to St. Louis, he wanted you to put 
them in your safe until Monday. June laid them on the 
mantel, right there (points). We all happened to be out 
of the house at once and on our return, discovered that 
they were gone. 

Mr. B. — Was there anybody else in the house? 

Mrs. B. — (looking at June, who cries harder) Only 
— Billy Brooks. 

Mr. B.— Billy' (Pause.) Well, it looks bad for Billy, 
then. I feel responsible, in a way, for the bonds, so I 
guess there is only one thing to do, and that is to have 
him watched. 

June — (rushes to Mr. B. and throws arms around 
him.) Oh, Father, don't ! I couldn't bear it. 

Mr. B. — But, June, if he is guilty you would want to 
know it, wouldn't you ? And if he is innocent he can cer- 
tainly prove it. Besides, we owe it to ourselves, and to Mr. 
Holmes, to take immediate steps toward the recovery of 
the bonds. 

June — Wait until Bud comes home. Maybe he knows 
something about them. 

Mr. B. — No, no ! Bud must not hear a word of it, if 
we wish to keep it quiet. No, we must not tell him. Kids 
cannot keep secrets. 

(Mr. B. walks to phone; takes down receiver.) 2-2-0 
please. (Pause.) Police station? * * This is Mr. Wil- 
liam Brown, 1225 Park Avenue. ; * A package of 
bonds belonging to J. D. Holmes has been stolen from my 
home, where they were left for safe-keeping. * * Only 
one person, to our knowledge, outside of the family, has 
been here. * * William Brooks. * * Do not arrest him 
but keep him under close surveilance. * * Thank yea. 
(Hangs up.) 



Along Came Bud 11 

(Bud enters (.. apparently out of breath.) (All turn 
to look at him. Mr. B. signals sileno 

Bud — Say, did you hear the latest — about Billv 
Brooks? 

(All look interested, but remain silent — wondering.) 

Mr. B. — What do you mean, Son? 

Bud — I just now saw him in the jewelry store, and 
he was buyin' a fine diamond ring — ladies' size. (Points 
a finger at June. ) (Mr. B. frowns. Jane covers face and. 
leans on Mrs. B.'s shoulder. Bud looks on in perplexity. > 

CURTAIN 



ACT II. 

(Scene — Same as Act. I.) (Two days later; evening ) 
(Mr. and Mrs. B., June and Dick are discovered in 
conversation.) 

Dick — Father, what do the police report, regarding 
the bonds? 

Mr. B. — Nothing definite, as yet. 

Dick — Did you know that Billy Brooks ordered a new 
car today ? 

June — (looking up suddenly/ Why, he has intended 
doing that for several months. 

Dick — No doubt. And apparently he lias just found 
the means that made it possible. You heard about the 
ring, also, didn't you? 

June — Dick, 1 think you are positively mean. You 
seem determined to fasten the guilt on Billy; and the only 
evidence you have is the fact that he was here and left 
suddenly. 

Dick — Is that all? Well you might tell us why he 
didn't put in his appearance last evening, as he has been 
doing every Sunday for the past ten months. 



12 Along Came Bud 

June — Because he was requested not to come. He 
called me up and was coming, but I asked him not to 
come, for I realized it would be very embarrassing for all 
concerned. 

Mrs. B. — Yes, Dick, I think you are unjust to Mr. 
Brooks. As long as there remains a reasonable doubt, I 
believe we should give him the benefit. 

Dick— Yes, give him the benefit of the doubt ; let him 
spend all the money and pull up stakes; then when it is 
too late, face Mr. Holmes and ask him to excuse you for 
allowing his bonds to be stolen. 

(Enter Bud, C. Mr. B. puis up a finger and warns\ 
'hem to be silent regarding bonds.) 

Bud — Here's your pitchers, June. Hurry and open 
'em up and let's see 'em. 

Dick — (rising) Well, I'm going to the club. I hope 
you people will not do anything rash in my absence. 

June — (unwrapping package) Don't you want to see 
my snap-shots, Dick? 

Dick — (shortly) No. (Puts on hat. Exit C.) 

Bud — (looking over June's shoulder) Didn't you 
take nothin' only rivers and trees ? Didn't you take folks 
or anything? Why don't you take one of our baseball 
nine? I bet I could sell 'bout a dozen of 'em for a dime 
apiece. A nickel, anyways. 

June — (endeavoring to hide one of the pictures) 
That would be good business. They cost me seven cents 
each. 

Bud — What's 'at you're hidin'? Come on, June, let's 
see it. 

June — Well, you mustn't say a word about it if I do 
show you 

Bud — No, 1 won't. (Looks at photo and laughs.) 
Well, what do you know about that? That's Ethel and 
Sam, ain't it? They must be gonna get married. 

(Mr. and Mrs. B. cross room and look at picture and 

smile.) 



Along Came Bud 13 

June — (takes up another print and looks at it, puz- 
zled.) Why, Mother, I don't understand this. I did not 
take a picture of Dick, but here is his photograph. Look. 

Mrs. B. — (looking at print.) Why, what is he doing? 
(Hands print to Mr. B.J 

Mr. B. — (after examining print, looks at 'window 
at back, near door C.) It looks to me as if he were climb- 
ing in or out of a window — that window there. (Points.) 
Do you suppose — Bud, you run outside for a few minutes. 
We wish to talk about something, about which you know 
nothing. 

Bud — (pouting ' Well, it looks like I wouldn't ever 
know nothin'. Whenever you want to talk about anything, 
it's "Bud, you run along, now. I want to say something 
to somebody." I wouldn't tell nobody. If I had a nickel, 
I'd go down and get some candy. 

Mr. B. — (reaching in, pocket) All right. Here you 
are. Now, run along. 

( Exit Bud, whistling. > 

Mr. B. — (again looks at photo.) Do you suppose 
Dick could have done this, Mother? 

Mrs. B. — Surely, not. Dick isn't that hard run. 

June — Why, I wouldn't think of accusing him of 
stealing — but it does look queer. He seemed so anxious 
to fasten suspicion on Billy. 

Mrs. B. — That's because he is jealous of his only sis- 
ter, June. You know, as rough as he is sometimes, he 
worships you, and he cannot bear the thought of having 
some fellow come along and capture your heart. 

June — (walks over to stand where camera sits; 
points it toward window. Takes long rubber tube and 
carries bulb to point on floor, directly in front of window. 
Steps back and looks intently at camera and window.) 

Mr. B. — June, what are you doing? 

June — Well, I am just investigating something; fol- 
lowing a clew, as the detectives say. 

Mr. B. — What kind of a clew are you following? 



14 Along Came Bud 

June — I don't know just what kind it is, but — well, 
you see, I left that camera sitting on the stand therei 
where you see it. now. You will observe that I have a 
long tube attached with this bulb at the end, which ar- 
ranegment enables me to take a picture and at the same 
time be in it. Now, if this bulb had fallen to the floor, as 
it probably did, here in front of the window, and some 
person entering the window had stepped upon it, it would 
have operated the shutter of the camera, exposing the 
him. When I placed the camera there, Saturday after- 
noon, I was sure that I had one exposure left on the film. 
I intended taking the dog's picture, but I noticed that the 
film had been turned. Now, you see a picture, which I 
did not take and there can be no doubt as to the identity 
of the subject. 

Mrs. B. — But, my dear, it is absurd that suspicion 
should for a moment rest upon Dick. 

June — I do not say that Dick took the bonds ; I sure- 
ly hope he did not; but this one thing is certain: the cam- 
era took Dick's picture climbing in a window. 

Mr. B. — Call him up at his club and request that he 
come home at once — Wait ; someone is coming now. 

(Enter Dick, C.) 

Dick — (looks around at the occupants of room, who 
look at him but remain silent.) Well, why all the gloom? 
Something serious happen? 

Mr. B. — Rather serious — yes. 

Dick — Well, can't you let me in on it? 

Mr. B. — Yes. In fact we want you in on it. I have 
some questions to ask you. 

Dick — Fm ready. 

Mr. B. — When did you first learn of the presence in 
this house of Mr. Holmes' bonds? 

Dick — Why — why, not until they were gone. 

Mr. B. — Did you return to the house after you left 
for the golf links? 
Dick — Yes. 






Along Came Bud 15 

Mr. B. — (Crosses to June and takes picture from her 
hand.) When was this picture taken, and who took it? 
( Hands print to Dick.) 

Dick — (appears puzzled and looks, first at picture, 
then from one to another.) Why — I had no picture taken 
— so far as I was aware. 

Mr. B. — That is your photograph, is it not? 

Dick — It sure looks like the face I often see in the 
mirror — but how — 

Mr. B. — Why did you enter through the window? 

Dick — To save the door. It was locked, and I simply 
had to have my golf clubs. Say — when I stepped in here, 
I heard a click and it sounded like a camera, but I could 
see nobodv operating the thing. How on earth — 

June — Pardon me for interrupting, but how did you 
leave the house? When I came over from Edna's I saw 
your car outside. A few moments later I looked out and 
it was gone. I did not give it a thought, then. But now 
I cannot recall having ?een you leave the house. 

Dick — Why,' I — oh, yes — I went out the back way. I 
was afraid — I thought perhaps you would want to take a 
ride and I was in a hurry to get to the links. 

Mr. B. — My boy, I do not want to think, and I do not 
think that you took those bonds, but it does look very 
mysterious. 

Dick — Why> what would I want with the old bonds? 

(Bud enters, C, unobserved by others. Stands quiet- 
ly by door and listens.) 

June — What would anybody want with them? What 
would Billy Brooks want with them? He has a good po- 
sition and could get along without stealing. Still, you 
were not slow in trying to fasten the guilt upon him. Oh, 
I wish — (crys. Exit, L.) 

Dick — Why, Mother, you know I wouldn't take them, 
don't you ? 

Mrs. B. — (putting arm around him) I would not be- 
lieve it until I was forced to do so. (Turns and sees Bnd, 
at d-oor.) Bud, how long have you been here? 



16 Along Came Bud 

Bud — Oh, not very long, but I was so interested I 
didn't want to make any noise, 'cause you never talk much 
when you know I'm around. 

Mr. B. — I never knew you could be so quiet. 

Bud — (goes over to Dick) What's the trouble, Dick' ? 

Dick — Nothing much, Buddy. Only we are trying 
to solve a difficult problem. 

Bud — Can't I helo you? I only got sixty in my prob- 
lems today, but that was because I was in a hurry and 
put down some of the answers wrong. 

Dick — Bud, did you see any — 

Mr. B. — No, no, Dick; Bud doesn't know about this. 

Dick — It appears that nobody knows much about it. 
But, now that I am under suspicion., I am not going to 
stop until I have turned every stone. Now, Bud, old man. 
I'm trying hard to find out some things. It may be you 
can help me. Billy, also, is in trouble, and you may help 
him, too — I hope so. 

Bud — Gee! I must be gettin' very important. 

(Enter June, wiping her eyes.) 

Biod — What's the matter with June? She looks like 
a nervous wretch. Go ahead, Dick. 

Dick — Were you in this room while Billy was here, 
Saturday afternoon? 

Bud — Yes, we had a chat and I tried to talk him out 
of fifty cents for a mitt. But he didn't fall for it, and — 

Dick — Never mind the mitt, now. Did he leave the 
room while you were here? 

Bud — No, I left him here in the room, waitin' for 
June. 

June — Bud, did you touch my camera, last Saturday? 

Bud — Say, am I gettin' the Third Degree? 

Mr. B. — Answer the questions, Son. You may be 
able to help us. 

Bud — Let's see. Yes, I believe i did touch it — a little. 

June — What did you do to it? 



Along Came Bud 17 

Bud — I wound it up a little — that's all. 
Mrs. B. — Did you see any bonds here in the room 
while Mr. Brooks was here? 

Bud — If I had, I sure would have taken one, for I 
was hungry as a bear. "You know me and Slim had went 
a-fishin', and — 

Mrs. B. — No, Bud, you misunderstood me. Not buns ; 
bonds, B — — N — D — S papers. 

Bud — What kind of papers? 

Mr. B. — Official-looking paper-. Something like — 
did you ever see a Liberty Bond? 

Bud — Oh, something .like a insurance policy, you 
mean? 

Mr. B. — Yes. Did you see anything like that? 
Bud— Why, I believe I did. 
All— Where? 

Bud — Over on the mantel. I just thought mebby they 
they might be important and shouldn't ought to be left 
around, so promiscous, so I put them away where they'd 
be safe. 

June — Put them away! Where? 

Bud — (Walks over to picture and recovers package* 
o* bonds.) Here. 

(The others reach for them and, Bud hands them to: 
June, ivho hugs the bonds, then kisses Bud and Dick. Ev- 
erybody seems happy. Phone rings. Mr. B. answers.) 

Mr. B. — Brown's residence. Yes, she is here. 

June you're wanted. 

June — (taking receiver) Hello. * * Oh, hello, 
Billy. * :: ' Sure, you may come up. * * Yes, hurry. 
"* * Goodbye. (Hangs up.) 

Mr. B. — (to Bud) Now, young man, see the trouble 
you have caused by your mischief-making? 

Bud — Why, Father, from the looks of all you people, 
I have pulled you out of trouble. 



IS Along Came Bud 

Mrs. B. — Now,, William, he did not hide them to 
cause trouble, did you Sonny? (Puts arm around Bud.) 

Bud — Why, certainly not, Mother. I saw them there 
on the mantel, and I just kinda thought maybe they were 
valuable and ought to be put away. So I put them back 
there. Anyway, why didn't you ask me in the first place? 
You know I'm gettin' sort of forgetful here of lately. 

(Enter Billy Brooks, C. June takes his hand, andi 
conducts him to a chair.) 

Billy — Good evening, everybody. (Sits.) 

All — Good evening, Billy. 

Mr. B. — Billy, in behalf of the family, and myself in 
particular, I wish to apologize to you for our unjust sus- 
picions of you. 

Billy — Suspicions? What do you mean? 

Mr. B. — A package of bonds, belonging to Mr. 
Holmes, was missing from the mantel last Saturday, just 
after your sudden departure from here. Naturally we 
thought it rather strange, so I have had a plain-clothes 
man watching you. Then later, our suspicions rested up- 
on a member of the family, Dick. However, it is all 
cleared up now, and all is well and all are happy. Bud has 
lifted the veil. (Shakes hands with Billy.) 

Dick — (Rises and takes Billu's hand.) Let's con- 
gratulate each other, old scout. Why, they even have a 
picture ot me, as I entered the window. 

(Mrs. B. sits dcrv.m and Bud crawU on her lap.) 

Bud — I'm gettirr awfully sleepy, folks, but before I 
retire to my room, 1 want to give you some advice. You 
must remember that kids is human and we don't like to 
be pushed to one side all the time. You say we don't know 
much. Course not — you older folks never want to tell us 
r-othin'. If you had told me what was the trouble I would 
of cleared it up long ago. But whenever I come around, 
you wink at each other and put up your finger and go 
"s-s-s-h," You can't run a home without confidence in 
each another. 



Along Came Bud 19 

Mr. B. — I think we must admit the wisdom of the 
boy's remarks. We are inclined to ignore the youngsters 
and push them aside. We give them to understand that 
they are of little consequence. And, now I realize that, 
in order to gain confidence, we must give it. 

(Bud, by this time, hos gone to sleep on his mother's 
knee.) 

Mr. B. — (after short 'pause.) So I herewith move 
that the entire household, present and prospective, give 
a vote of thanks to Buddy Brown. 

All — Aye, aye. 

(Dick and Billy pick up Bud and place him on their 
shoulders and march around the room. Bud rubs his 
eyes and nods sleepily.) 



CURTAIN 






ALONG CAME BUD— 

for 4 boys and 2 girls. Bud, quite inno- 
cently causes a lot of trouble, but all ends 
well v/hen Bud comes along. Price 25c 

CLARENCE DECIDES— 

is for 4 males and 6 females, and is a 
very clever comedy. All kinds of fanny 
situations are introduced. Price 35c. 

THE CAPTAIN'S PREDICAMENT— 

a rattling good farce for 3 males and 4 
females. Lots of fun. Price, 35 cents. 

LOST— THE WHOLE CROWD AND 
THE PARROT— 

a farce in -which many amusing complica- 
tions aiise. Plays whole evening. 8 
males and 5 females. Price. 35 cents. 

POLLY LOU— 

a new Gladys Bridgham farce in which 
there is plenty of action and an interest- 
ing plot. 6 males, 8 females. Price 35c. 

THE VISITING SMITHS— 

a short sketch telling how the Smith's 
Corner Smiths descended on the New 
York Smiths for a visit. Price, 25 cents. 

THE CONVERSION OF PA. 
THE TRIALS OF EZRA— 

two new Agricultural Extension plays. 
Each, 25 cents. 



Eldritige Entertainment House 

Franklin. Ohio, also 944 S. Logan, Denver, Colo. 



Sn 



Four Clever New Entertainments 



SURE POP AND THE SAFETY 
FIRST SCOUTS 

is going to be a splendid help in all 
"Safety First'' Campaigns and can be 
given by children in the school-room 
or elsewhere. Price 25 cents. 

FOWL DEEDS 

A roaring black-face comedy, suitable 
for minstrels or short play on any 
program. Price 35 cents. 

COMMUNITY PLAYS FOR 
VARIOUS DAYS 

is a great help in developing the 
many phases of community life and 
spirit. A mighty helpful book for all 
civic work. Price 50 cents. 

SPECIAL PLAYS FOR 

SPECIAL DAYS 

This is another splendid book for 
every teacher. These short plays are 
enjoyable, either for school-room use 
or for exhibition purposes. A play 
for every special day. Price 50 cents. 



ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE 

FRANKLIN, OHIO, also 944 S. Logan, DENVER, COLO. 



LIBHAI-IY ur v,». 




Scene from the Comic Opera, "The Captain of Plymouth'' 



THE CAPTAIN OF PLYMOUTH 

This is a splendid number for any time, and especially good 
for High School, Choral Societies, etc. Price complete $1.25. 
Right of presentation given with purchase of 1 5 copies. Rental 
of orchestration $7.00. 



THE HERMIT OF HAWAII 

is just the thing for your school society or High School chorus. 
It is written by the popular composer, Arthur Penn, and is 
especially tuneful and clever. Price $1.25. Right of presen- 
tation given with purchase of 1 5 copies. Rental of orches- 
tration $7.00. 

OPERETTAS FOR CHILDREN 

Midsummer Eve ----- 60 cents 

In Little Folks Town - - - - - 60 cents 

Under The Sugar Plum Tree - - - 60 cents 

Arcticania $1.00 

SEND 15 CENTS POSTAGE FOR APPROVAL COPIES. 



ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE, 



FRANKLIN, OHIO 



DENVER, COLORADO 

944 South Logan Street. 



